FERC Dissatisfied With Downeast LNG Hazards Filing
The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requested more information from Downeast LNG on Tuesday regarding the proposed project’s LNG vapor dispersion hazards. Downeast LNG apparently omitted the calculation input parameters, the assumptions made by Downeast LNG, and the results. Downeast LNG has until October 1st to submit the missing information to the Commission, so that FERC can test Downeast LNG’s veracity regarding hazards to public safety that Downeast LNG failed to supply.
Save Passamaquoddy Bay researcher Robert Godfrey said of the FERC request, “Downeast LNG has fumbled along since the start of their project. First, they selected their site without even considering the LNG industry’s own best practices, or their project’s actual safety requirements in order to prevent terminal hazards from harming the public. The site is too small to properly contain the hazards. So, as a result of the required vapor dispersion hazards modeling they had to perform, they are now planning to construct over 1.76-miles of 20-foot-tall “vapor fences” along their land-side property line as well as within that outer vapor fence. They are planning an absurd “fences-within-fence-within-fence” configuration in an attempt to keep hazardous -260°F heavier-than-air LNG vapors from leaving the property and harming the public.”
“The planned outer fence,” Godfrey continued, “runs elbow-to-elbow with scenic turnouts on US-1 at beautiful Mill Cove. Mill Cove consists of unique, picturesque geology that is used as an educational tool by schools and universities. It has a scenic view of upper Passamaquoddy Bay.
“Downeast LNG apparently cannot think of a better place for its project than one that violates its own industry’s best practices, requires a pier over one-half-mile longer than allowed in the State of Maine, and where unsightly, enormous vapor fences would be required in an attempt to prevent public harm.”